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How to Pick a Golf Laser Rangefinder

If you’re a dedicated golf player and want to up your game, you’ve probably considered getting a laser golf rangefinder to help you adjust the force behind your strokes to the distance between you and the hole. The problem: there are tons of rangefinders, so how are you supposed to pick the best golf rangefinder for your game? That’s where we come in. Our research team took on the green conducting 20 golf rangefinder reviews. The result is the list of great golf laser rangefinders below. We’ve narrowed the choices down to the top ten best rangefinder models to fit different needs and budgets. Before we start, take a look at what specs and features to watch for when buying.

Minimum Range - The minimum range of a golf rangefinder is the shortest distance from you that it can measure. Most often that is five to ten yards, but we found that this minimum end is not as important as the maximum range, especially since there can be a couple of yards of variance in what the rangefinder measures and the actual distance. Hopefully, you don’t need a rangefinder for putting, but who knows (it’s not our place to judge).

Maximum Range - The maximum range is one of the main features that affects the price of a golf rangefinder. Our top pick has a maximum range of 1,000 yards, while many other models hover around 500 to 600 yards. Since the average golfer can drive about 214 yards, a 1,000-yard rangefinder might be overkill for some. But if you want to use the rangefinder for other outdoor activities like hunting, 1,000 yards might be a great feature to have.

Magnification - The magnification available in a laser golf rangefinder can help you strategically play the terrain for a long drive and check out potential obstacles. Our top golf laser rangefinder picks all fall within 5x to 6x magnification, giving you a wide monocular view of what’s ahead or behind. This is on par (ha ha) with your average pair of binoculars, which tend to have a range of around 7x up to 10x for people who need a close-up view.

Dimensions - The amount of space a rangefinder takes up can determine whether you keep it nearby or forget it in the car. Compact rangefinders that can fit in your pocket are ideal. However, it’s important to balance a convenient size with the other specs you’re looking for, like maximum range, as well as features like weatherproofing (if needed). Our rangefinder picks are all close to the same size and easy to fit in your bag or in your pocket.

Weight - Similar to the size issues you may deal with when shopping for a golf rangefinder, the weight also has an effect on how much you actually end up using your new device. A small, light, yet full-featured model is the ideal golf rangefinder since it is easy to carry and hold up to your eye one-handed, as well as to store and transport. The lightest rangefinders on our list weigh just 4.4 ounces, but they average around 6 ounces.

Includes Case - An included case with a lanyard or carabiner clip can protect your high-quality golf rangefinder as you move between courses or pack and unpack your clubs. Even if you purchase a weatherproof rangefinder, a case is a handy option for heavy downpours and for transporting your equipment without crushing the rangefinder. All of our top picks come with cases, though some are tough nylon while others have a hard shell.

Top 10 Products

All of our time on the course paid off: here is the top ten list of golf laser rangefinder reviews. You may recognize some of the brands, but we included lesser-known models as well and found a few “diamonds in the rough.” Keep an eye on warranties and features like continuous scanning, which can help you get the lay of the land. Most of these rangefinders are tournament legal because they don’t include Slope technology, but try the Bushnell Tour X if you want Slope capabilities. We hope that many different rangefinder options, including the high-end Bushnell Tour V4 and our budget pick, can help any golfer improve their game. Enjoy!

Our top pick for the best golf rangefinder is the Bushnell Tour V4. If you’re looking for a premium, tournament-legal golf rangefinder, the Tour V4 is Pro Certified and USGA-compliant. It has a range of 5 to 1,000 yards with an accuracy of +/- 1 yard and 5x magnification with a focus knob. It uses Pinseeker technology to isolate the target and short bursts of vibration called JOLT technology that helps establish that the right target has been selected by the rangefinder. This rangefinder comes with a two-year warranty, a 3V CR2 battery, and a premium carrying case that can hook onto your bag between uses. The rangefinder is water-resistant and has an ergonomic design that is easy to grip. It measures 3.11 x 1.57 x 4 inches and weighs 6.6 ounces. We made this our top pick because it is fast, accurate, and easy to use, plus it has a high maximum range like the other Bushnell rangefinders on our list. This is a fantastic product!

Our budget pick for a good but cheap golf rangefinder is the Nikon COOLSHOT 20, a USGA-compliant golf laser rangefinder with a range of 6 to 550 yards accurate within +/- 1 yard and 6x magnification. It weighs just 4.4 ounces and measures 3.6 x 2.9 x 1.5 inches. If you’re familiar with Nikon camera technology, you’ll understand why we like the COOLSHOT 20: its First Target Priority Mode picks out the flagstick even if other objects are nearby. It also has a continuous scan feature that will help you pick out multiple small objects for eight seconds at a time. The Nikon COOLSHOT 20 is weatherproof, compact, and comes with a tough nylon carrying case with a Velcro strap and 3V CR2 battery to get you started. This is one of the most compact and lightweight rangefinder in the Nikon Golf line, and this and the other Nikon rangefinder on this list are also among the lightest models. Plus, it has a two-year warranty. We highly recommend the COOLSHOT 20 if you want an affordable laser golf rangefinder.

The TecTecTec VPRO500 laser golf rangefinder can measure distances from 4 to 540 yards with +/- 1 yard accuracy and offers 6x magnification. This tournament legal golf rangefinder weighs 6.5 ounces and measures 4.25 x 1.5 x 3 inches. Its one-year warranty is on the shorter end of our picks, but it performs well. It uses PinSensor technology to pick out objects even if they overlap. You can scan and let the rangefinder pick out both the closest and furthest visible objects with First Target Priority and mode and Distant Target Priority mode. It is tournament legal, too. Included with the rangefinder are a hardshell carrying case, a lanyard, a CR2 battery, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. It feels durable and is also resistant to dust and water. If you want the sturdy feel of the Bushnell Pro V4 plus an attractive price, the TecTecTec rangefinder performs well and is a similar size and weight.

If you like the range of the Bushnell Tour V4, the Bushnell Tour V3 laser golf rangefinder offers the same extreme range of 10 to 1,000 yards with accuracy to one yard, plus 5x magnification. It weighs 6.6 ounces and measures 4.3 x 2.8 x 1.6 inches. If you want a tournament-legal golf rangefinder, make sure to choose the Tour V3 JOLT, not the Tour V3 JOLT Slope. Like the V4, the V3 uses PinSeeker with JOLT technology. JOLT technology uses small vibrating bursts to show you that the rangefinder has locked onto the correct target. It comes with a carrying case, and CR2 battery to help you get started. Its weatherproof construction and two-year warranty also make this a great pick.

The Nikon 8397 ACULON is as compact and lightweight as the Nikon COOLSHOT 20, weighing 4.4 ounces and measuring 3.6 x 2.9 x 1.5 inches. It has a range of 6 to 550 yards with an accuracy of +/- one yard and 6x magnification. It has a longer continuous scan time than the COOLSHOT 20, scanning for up to 20 seconds compared to the COOLSHOT 20’s 8 seconds. It is also water resistant, USGA-compliant, and has a two-year warranty. We found the ACULON was fast and accurate, and easy to use--just one button to press! It turns off automatically after 8 seconds of inactivity, which helps extend the battery life. It comes with a case and CR2 battery. It uses Nikon’s prestigious optics and includes Distance Priority Mode programming to pick out targets obscured by brush.

The Callaway 300 is water and fog-proof, with a range of 5 to 1,000 yards, +/- one-yard accuracy, and 6x magnification. This rangefinder weighs 7 ounces, making it the heaviest laser rangefinder to make our list, but the weatherproofing and included extras make this a great rangefinder choice. It uses Pin Acquisition Technology to target the pin from up to 300 yards away, as well as Zero-In Aiming Technology. It measures 4.25 x 3 x 1.75 inches, so it is a little bulkier than the other rangefinders. Though the one-year warranty is pretty basic, the tournament-legal Callaway 300 comes with some nice extras. Besides a nylon carrying case with a carabineer clip, the package includes two 3V CR2 batteries, a sleeve of Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls, and a Callaway Divot Repair Tool with a magnetic ball marker.

Are you thinking about a rangefinder with slope technology, but still want a product that you can use in official tournaments? The Bushnell Tour X offers “Exchange Technology,” wherein you can switch between a red faceplate with Slope Technology and a black faceplate that’s USGA-compliant. Plus, the Tour X has the longest range on our list, from 5 to 1,300 yards, with an accuracy of +/- .5 yards rather than the more typical 1 yard, and 6x magnification, too. Besides the PinSeeker, JOLT, and Extreme Speed Precision Technology, the Tour X has Dual Display Technology: a bright red display option and sharp black option, ideal for different lighting conditions. This weatherproof rangefinder also comes with a two-year warranty, a CR2 battery, and a hard carrying case.

Another rangefinder from TecTecTec, this one has a range of 5 to 600 yards, +/- 1.1 yards, and 6x magnification. It uses FlagSeeker and PinSensor Technology to target the pin through overlapping objects, and you can scan for multiple readings as well. It is tournament legal and waterproof, too, and available at a good price despite being a recent release. It is the successor to the TecTecTec VPRO500, and a version is also available with Slope technology. This rangefinder comes with a one-year warranty, a hard carrying case, a CR2 battery, and a lanyard. It’s a great product designed to improve your game. We really liked that it combines a smart balance of top features and technology with a good value.

The Breaking 80 rangefinder comes in an IS400 model with a 440-yard range, an IS500 model with a range of 550 yards, and an IS800 model with a range of 880 yards, each tournament legal with an accuracy of +/- 1 yard. The rangefinders offer Intelliscan 8-second continuous scanning and PinSensor 3 precision technology. It measures 4 x 2.9 x 1.4 inches and is lightweight. Their lifetime replacement guarantee following the one-year warranty will provide you with a new IS400 model for a nominal fee if your registered unit breaks. These budget rangefinders are still well-made, and the company (started by golfers wanting to provide less expensive rangefinders) has updated the original design to improve the battery compartment, more durable eyepiece, and better lens protection. Each rangefinder comes with a carrying case with belt loop and a 3V CR2 battery.

If you’ve gotten this far, you’re probably thinking, “Another Bushnell rangefinder?” Darn straight, it’s another Bushnell rangefinder because they are truly great. It made our list for a couple of reasons. First, it is a hybrid: it uses laser technology and also doubles as a GPS unit that comes with 30,000 courses from around the world (16,000 of them in North America) pre-loaded for free. With a range of 10 to 1,000 yards, +/- 1 yard accuracy, and 5x magnification, this unit is the heaviest on our list at 8 ounces but very full-featured to make up for it. This is also the only rangefinder on our list that has a rechargeable battery. Included with the rangefinder are a carrying case, a power cord/adaptor, a USB sync cable, and a wall plug-in. It has a one-year warranty and is legal for tournament play.

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